Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko Set for Uncontested Re-Election as UAJ President
Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, teh current president of the African Judo Union (UAJ), is poised for a second term without facing any opposition.His opponent,Babacar Makhtar Wade,former president of the senegalese Federation of Judo and Similar Disciplines (Fsjda),has withdrawn from the race.This means Randrianasoloniaiko will be declared the winner by forfeit at the UAJ elections scheduled for this afternoon in Casablanca.
This scenario echoes randrianasoloniaiko’s first victory in 2021, when he secured the presidency in Dakar, Senegal, the home country of his then-opponent. This time, the victory comes without a fight, highlighting the Malagasy judoka’s strong standing within the African judo community.
The UAJ elections coincide with the Africa Open 2025 judo tournament, organized by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Judo and Martial Arts (FRMJAMA) under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohamed VI. The tournament, taking place from January 16 too 19 at the Mohamed V sports complex, will feature men’s and women’s events across cadet, junior, and senior categories.
Randrianasoloniaiko’s uncontested re-election comes after a prosperous first term leading the UAJ, which represents over fifty national judo federations.His leadership has been marked by a commitment to developing judo across the continent and promoting its values of discipline, respect, and sportsmanship.
Interestingly,Randrianasoloniaiko’s victory mirrors a recent achievement by madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina,who was named “african Political Leader of the Year” by the London-based “African Leadership Magazine.” Rajoelina secured a commanding victory, garnering 65.69% of the votes,significantly ahead of his Seychellois and congolese counterparts.
Randrianasoloniaiko’s re-election, like Rajoelina’s award, underscores the growing influence of Madagascar on the African stage. Both achievements highlight the country’s commitment to excellence in sports and politics,setting a positive example for other nations on the continent.
Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko’s Uncontested victory: A Sign of Progress for African Judo?
Welcome back to ”talking Tactics”! Today, we have a real treat for judo enthusiasts: a chance to discuss the future of African Judo wiht renowned judo coach, and former Olympian, Loraine Duty. Loraine has a wealth of experience both on the mat and in mentoring young athletes, and she’s here to share her insights on the recent news surrounding Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko’s uncontested re-election as President of the African judo Union (UAJ).
welcome, Loraine! Thanks for joining us.
Loraine: Thanks for having me. It’s always a pleasure to chat about the sport I love.
Host: Let’s dive right in. Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko is set for a second term as UAJ president without facing any opposition. Some might see this as a sign of dominance, but what does this say about the current state of African judo?
loraine: Well, I think it speaks volumes about the respect and trust Randrianasoloniaiko has built within the African judo community. Remember, this is his second consecutive uncontested victory. To achieve that speaks to his leadership and his commitment to developing judo across the continent. he’s obviously doing something right.
Host: You mentioned growth. Randrianasoloniaiko’s leadership has focused on expanding judo across Africa. Do you think this is key to the sport’s future success on the international stage?
Loraine: Absolutely. We need to look beyond the powerhouse nations and nurture talent throughout Africa.Randrianasoloniaiko seems to understand that. Broadening participation brings fresh energy and diverse styles to the sport. It’s essential for boosting African judo’s competitiveness globally.
Host: And what about his commitment to the values of judo — discipline, respect, sportsmanship?
Loraine: These are the very foundations of judo, and they transcend competition. It’s commendable that Randrianasoloniaiko is actively promoting these values. It shows he’s not just focused on winning medals but on shaping well-rounded individuals.
Host: Now, it’s certainly worth noting that Randrianasoloniaiko’s success mirrors Madagascar’s growing influence in Africa across multiple fields. Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, was recently named “African Political Leader of the Year”. Do you see any correlation between these achievements?
Loraine: I think it’s undeniable. Madagascar is experiencing a surge in positive recognition, and this has a ripple effect. It’s inspiring to see a nation embracing excellence in both politics and sports. It shows the potential that exists when leadership prioritizes development and, in judo’s case, promotes its core values.
Host: That brings us to an critically important point – the role of leadership in sports. What qualities do you think are essential for a triumphant leader like randrianasoloniaiko?
Loraine: Vision, integrity, and a genuine passion for the sport are paramount. A leader needs to inspire, guide, and create opportunities for others to thrive. Randrianasoloniaiko seems to embody these qualities, and it’s reflecting in the positive trajectory of African judo.
Host: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for african Judo under Randrianasoloniaiko’s continued leadership?
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host:
As a previous Olympian, do you have any advice for young judo athletes aspiring to represent Africa on the world stage?
Loraine: Never give up on your dreams! Embrace the values of judo – discipline, respect, and sportsmanship. Train hard, learn from every experience, and remember that the journey is just as critically important as the destination. And most importantly, have fun!
Host: Loraine, thank you so much for your insights. It’s been illuminating.
Loraine: My pleasure. It’s always splendid to talk about the future of judo.
We hope you enjoyed today’s episode of “Talking Tactics”. We want to hear from you! Do you think Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko’s uncontested re-election is a positive sign for African Judo? share your thoughts in the comments below.
